Ontario Green Energy Act

The Ontario Green Energy Act (GEA), passed in 2009 by the Province of Ontario, changes the way that renewable energy projects on agricultural lands are approved in Ontario. Now all approvals are granted through the Province. If you are thinking about developing a green energy project you may require a Renewable Energy Approval (REA) from the Province. Below is a list of renewable energy projects that do not require a REA:

In addition to a new provincial approvals process for renewable energy projects, the Province is also offering some significant financial incentives to start-up green energy projects. The Ontario Power Authority had developed the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff Program. Two distinct programs exist, the FIT Program, for projects over 10 kilowatts, and the microFIT Program, for those under 10 kilowatts.

For example under microFIT, if you’re a homeowner, farmer, or small business owner, or if you manage an institution such as a school or place of worship, you have the opportunity to develop a very small or “micro” renewable electricity generation project on your property (10 kW or less). You’ll be paid for all the electricity you produce through the microFIT Program. For further information please visit: http://fit.powerauthority.on.ca/

The Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC) offers two study incentives for industrial companies which can identify opportunities to reduce emissions and costs, streamline processes, and increase competitiveness. The Process Integration Study, an extended energy audit, is funded up to 50% to a maximum of $50,000. The Computational Fluid Dynamics Study, which analyzes fluid flow and heat transfer processes, is funded up to 50% to a maximum of $30,000. Invoices for contracted work performed must be retained and submitted for refund.

Farm Energy Online

The purpose of this website is to assist farmers and food processors with a path, information, tools and resources to assess the renewable energy opportunity in their business. They’re striving to offer value from project start to finish by providing information and discussion platforms like this web-site and our blog.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FMC) - Green Municipal Fund

FCM's Green Municipal Fund™ (GMF) is a unique program that supports municipal initiatives across Canada that benefit the environment, local economies and quality of life. GMF grants and below-market loans directly support municipal initiatives, while GMF education and training resources help municipal governments share expertise and strengthen their ability to set and surpass their sustainable goals. The Government of Canada endowed the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with $550 million to establish GMF.

High Performance New Construction Program – Ontario Power Authority

The program, administered by the Ontario Power Authority, provides incentives and design assistance for buildings located in Ontario outside the 416 area code. For prescriptive (standard-measurement) projects, building owners receive $250 for every verified kW saved, or $60 per appliance; each project must be eligible for at least $1,000 in incentives. For custom projects, incentives range from $250 to $400 per kW saved (minimum $5,000 in incentives) for builders and $50 to $100 per kW saved for design decision-makers. The program also covers the costs of modeling a building, up to $10,000.

RETScreen International Clean Energy Decision Support Centre seeks to build the capacity of planners, decision-makers and industry to implement renewable energy, cogeneration and energy efficiency projects. This objective is achieved by: developing decision-making tools (i.e. RETScreen Software) that reduce the cost of pre-feasibility studies; disseminating knowledge to help people make better decisions; and by training people to better analyse the technical and financial viability of possible projects.

SaveONenergy

There are energy-efficiency programs to assist businesses from the smallest of retail stores to the largest industrial complexes. Programs that can help reduce your electricity costs, while helping Ontario defer the need to build new generation and reduce its environmental footprint.

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

SDTC supports clean-technology projects through these critical stages. SDTC’s work goes beyond funding – we help technology developers strengthen their entrepreneurial skills and business cases. Our aim is to increase each project’s chances of successfully getting to market and to help Canadian entrepreneurs carry out their innovation efforts within Canada.

SDTC currently has two complementary funds that address funding gaps in the innovation chain.

The SD Tech Fund™ is aimed at supporting the late-stage development and pre-commercial demonstration of clean technology solutions: products and processes that contribute to clean air, clean water and clean land, that address climate change and improve the productivity and the global competitiveness of the Canadian industry.

The NextGen Biofuels Fund™ is aimed at supporting the establishment of first-of-kind commercial scale demonstration facilities for the production of next-generation renewable fuels and co-products. The fund will help Canada sustainably meet its Renewable Fuels Standards. The purpose of the fund is to encourage retention and growth of technology expertise and innovation capacity for cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel production in Canada.